title: N-acetylcysteine in children with acute liver failure complicating dengue viral infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the outcome after administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to seven children with nonparacetamol induced acute liver failure (ALF) complicating dengue infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical records of children with non paracetamol induced acute liver failure complicating severe dengue viral infection, were retrospectively analysed for clinical and biochemical outcome following treatment with NAC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven patients between ages six months to twelve years with plasma leakage and circulatory compromise complicating dengue infection developed ALF. Three were exposed to prolonged shock prior to hospitalisation. NAC infusion (100 mg/kg) was administered as soon as ALF was diagnosed, based on low GCS scores, raised transaminases and prolonged prothrombin/INR. Full clinical and biochemical recovery occurred in all patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A successful outcome followed early administration of NAC to children with ALF complicating severe dengue infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. manouri.senanayake@gmail.com
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Senanayake
authors.forename: M D C J P
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Jayamanne
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kankananarachchi
mesh_terms: D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003715:Dengue; D003716:Dengue Virus; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000111:Acetylcysteine